Top 7 Bombers

Often we
receive many questions which is the best bomber aircraft in the
world. Which is the greatest modern bomber and why. Our Top 10
analysis is based on the combined score of stealthiness, armament,
payload, speed, range and technology. All of these bombers
mentioned here are incredibly deadly and devastating. Our analysis is based on specifications, available
data and technical comparison. This list do not contains bombers that are currently
under development of at the prototype stage. It includes only
operational warplanes.

The black, bat-like B-2 Spirit is the silver bullet of US policy,
reserved for use against targets of the highest priority. This
strategic bomber was designed during the Cold War. The whole
development programme was kept in high secrecy.

Currently the B-2 is the most expensive aircraft ever built. The
USAF operates only 20 of these strategic bombers due to their high
price. This advanced aircraft was never offered for sale to any
other country, even NATO allies.

The
B-2 is almost invisible to radars due to its sophisticated design
and radar-absorbent coating. It can easily overcome enemy air
defense. Many of sensors and avionics of this warplane remain
classified. Also it has a classified electronic warfare system.

This
plane carries a powerful array of weaponry. It can carry about 18
000 kg of combat payload, including cruise missiles, thermonuclear
free-fall bombs, and precision-guided bombs. It can fly over 12 000
km without the need to refuel.

The Tupolev Tu-160 (NATO designation Blackjack) was developed during
the Cold War. This strategic bomber was intended to attack the most
important American targets. Dwarfing the similar-looking
B-1B Lancer, it is the largest and heaviest combat aircraft ever
built.

The Tu-160
carries cruise and land attack missiles, fitted with conventional or
nuclear warheads. This bomber can also carry free-fall bombs with a
maximum weight of up to 40 t in place of the missiles. It has a
range of 14 500 km.

It is
believed that production totaled no more than 39 aircraft. This
aircraft was extremely expensive to build and to maintain. Some
sources claim that Russia currently operates only 16 of these
strategic bombers.

The B-1B
Lancer is a strategic bomber, that entered service in 1986.
Originally it was designed as a replacement for the B-52. The Lancer
is capable of carrying nuclear weapons. This aircraft has some
degree of stealthiness. It uses comprehensive countermeasures
systems and can overcome sophisticated enemy air defense systems.

The B-1B can carry up to 34 000 kg of missiles or bombs internally.
The Lancer can carry more payload than any other US bomber. With the
end of the Cold War, the B-1B lost its nuclear strike role and was
re-roled instead for conventional warfare.

A total of
100 B-1B have been built.
Currently around 70 Lancers are available for operations at any one
time. It is expected to remain in service until at least 2030 when
it will; be replaced by the next generation bomber.

The B-52
Stratofortress strategic bomber was designed to carry nuclear
weapons. It has been in service with the US Air Force since 1955. A
total of 744 B-52 strategic bombers of all versions have been built.
Since its introduction the Stratofortress was constantly upgraded.
The B-52H is the ultimate model. Despite the introduction of newer
aircraft the B-52 remains operational due to its superior
performance and low operating costs. Currently 85 of these bombers
are active with the US Air Force. It will continue to give valuable
service well into the 21st century. The type is planned to remain
active until 2044.

The B-52 has
been used in several wars, however to date it dropped only conventional
munitions. This strategic bomber can carry up to 32 000 kg
of weapons, including cruise missiles and precision-guided bombs.
This plane
has a range of 18 500 km without the need to refuel.

The
turboprop-powered Tu-95 strategic bomber (NATO designation Bear)
entered service in 1956 and remains an important part of Russia's
long range air power. Originally this bomber was designed to carry
nuclear bombs to the US territory. It can carry about 15 000 kg of
payload. Now updated models of the Bear carry 6 long-range cruise
missiles. The Bear has un unrefueled range of about 12 500 km. With
the later models range was improved to about 15 000 km.

Over 500 of
these aircraft were built. The current bomber/missile carrier
version is the Tu-95MS. This entered service in 1984 and was
manufactured until 1992. Currently about 60 Tu-95MS aircraft are in
service with the Russian Air Force. It remains the only
turboprop-powered strategic bomber in use. Despite its age the type
will remain in service until at least 2040.

The Tu-22M was developed from the earlier Tu-22 design,
incorporating variable-geometry outer wing panels.
This aircraft lacks sufficient range for truly strategic
missions and is classified as a medium-range bomber. Tu-22M bombers
operated by the Soviet Naval Aviation were intended to engage US
carrier battle groups.

This
bomber carries up to 24 000 kg of payload, including missiles and
free-fall bombs.

Over 570 of
Tu-22M aircraft of all versions have been built.
The Tu-22M3 is the latest version and remains numerically the most
important bomber in the Russian air force's Long-Range Air Army
inventory. About
90 of these bombers are currently in service with the Russian Air
Force. 58 more are operated by the Russian Naval Aviation. This
aircraft is also in service with the Indian Navy.

The basic Xian H-6
was a license-produced version of the Soviet Tu-16 medium-range bomber.
At least 150 of these bombers were built.
The H-6 can carry 9 000 kg of payload, including various
air-to-surface, air-to-ship missiles or free-fall bombs. Some of the versions can
carry air-launched cruise missiles. This bomber can deliver nuclear
weapons. Over 100 of these bombers are still in service with
China.

The latest
H-6K
evolved into a long-range strategic bomber. This aircraft entered
service within the last couple of years.

This bomber has new engines and
carries more fuel for longer range. It is armed with air-launched cruise missiles
under its wings. It is believed that aircraft has significantly
improved avionics, search and attack radar, navigation, fire
control, and weapon precision.

The H-6K is capable of attacking US carrier battle groups and priority targets in Asia.
It also has a nuclear strike capability.